The NBAA Business and Aviation Conference and Exhibition is back in Florida for the first time after four years, taking place October 18 – 20 at the Orlando County Convention Center. Leonardo will join the business aviation community to explore the future of the industry. Along with providing an update on what’s next for VIP/corporate transport, NBAA will mark the introduction of its new VIP Agusta brand to the North American market. It will also feature the AW609 in a VIP configuration, marking the first time it has made an appearance at a business aviation conference, along with the static display of an AW109 GrandNew, set to tour the U.S. for demos this fall.
With a global fleet of more than 900 helicopters carrying out a range of passenger missions, including private transport, corporate transport, charter, scheduled services and VIP/government transport, and 40% share in the world’s multiengine VIP helicopter market, Leonardo is the global leader in this sector. The same is true in the United States, with strong sales to date in 2022 and growing potential. The world class AW139 intermediate twin is proving extremely attractive in the U.S., as a growing number of private transport operators welcomes its latest technology and safety standards, comfort and overall performance in terms of speed, range and endurance.
AW609 to revolutionize point-to-point private travel
The new Agusta brand, previously launched at both EBACE and LABACE, updates the distinctive look that made it a sought-after brand by adding more solutions and services, accompanied with technological advances. The first unveiling of this combination of heritage and innovation was presented with the all-new rotorcraft terminal named Casa Agusta, in partnership with Falcon Aviation, late 2021 in Dubai. On that same occasion, the innovative AW609 tiltrotor was also exhibited, as will again be the case in Orlando. The AW609 is transforming the world of rotary-wing aircraft, easing travel between cities. The AW609 VIP configuration is the flagship for the Agusta brand with bespoke accommodations in a variety of interior options. It provides customers the flexibility to choose from interiors with 5 to 7 seats with an optional galley and lavatory. Combined with point-to-point capability avoiding traffic, transfers and runways while travelling in luxury, the AW609 is poised to transform VIP travel.
Agusta’s all new services
At NBAA, Leonardo will showcase plans for new options and services dedicated to VIP/corporate helicopter operators under Agusta. These include the Interior Moods layouts, a new integrated maintenance service plan and a dedicated Agusta section in the Leonardo Customer Portal. The Interior Moods, initially created for the AW139, AW169 and AW189, consist of three brand new options, all inspired by iconic cities. These layouts feature stylish and specific colors, materials, seat configurations and on-board options. They are designed to allow customers to select and create their ideal and perfect environment, mirroring their own distinctive wants, while are also meeting their needs. From the sense of warmth, harmony and pureness of “Florence,” to the juxtaposition of opposites like tradition and innovation of “London,” to the energy and passion of the cosmopolitan “New York.”
The new Agusta for YOU helicopter service plan, developed specifically to meet the needs of corporate rotorcraft operators, is intended to increase aircraft availability and reduce inventory costs, while optimizing expenses by covering both scheduled and unscheduled maintenance of airframe/avionics components and other items. Aircraft initially included under this plan are the AW109GrandNew, AW169 and AW139, with a plan to extend to other platforms moving forward. In addition, on the Leonardo Helicopter Customer Portal, VIP operators will have an area where they can check-in on the progress and status of their aircraft manufacturing and testing, with images and in real time. Overall, these advancements are aimed at delivering clear answers to meet exclusivity requirement, making ownership and operation of a Agusta helicopters a true 360-degree experience from day one.
Leonardo VIP helicopters also feature a range of technologies supporting safety, comfort, navigation and mission effectiveness, support and training. To demonstrate, in addition to the AW609, Leonardo Helicopters is exhibiting an AW109 GrandNew on static display at NBAA. The AW109 GrandNew responds to the market demand for a helicopter that blends performance, speed, payload and operational flexibility, together the lower environmental impact. Capable of operating in the most severe weather conditions, it is a top -of-the-line light twin multi-role helicopter, offering the highest safety through advanced navigation and situational awareness technology.